Chicago's large pet-owning population creates consistent demand for dog sitting services, especially during holidays, summer vacations, and business travel seasons.
Dog Sitting Rates in Chicago
- Overnight stays: $40–$75 per night at the client's home, with premium neighborhoods charging $65–$85.
- Boarding at your home: $35–$65 per night per dog, with discounts for multiple dogs from the same family.
- Drop-in visits: $30–$50 per visit (30–60 minutes), ideal for clients needing midday care without overnight stays.
- Extended stays: Negotiate weekly rates (7+ nights) for 10–15% discount while maintaining strong earnings.
- Holiday premium: Add 25–50% to base rates for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, and July 4th.
Finding Dog Sitting Jobs in Chicago
- Tails platform: Join as a provider for access to Chicago pet owners seeking trusted sitters. Background checks, insurance, and payment processing included.
- High-demand neighborhoods: Focus on Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Wicker Park, Gold Coast, and River North where affluent pet owners travel frequently.
- Seasonal planning: Build your calendar 2–3 months ahead for major holidays. Many clients book summer vacations in March–April.
- Client relationships: Provide exceptional care with photo updates, detailed notes, and flexible communication. Repeat clients provide steady income.
Requirements and Expectations
Dog sitting requires overnight availability, reliable home space (if boarding), flexibility for last-minute bookings, and ability to handle emergencies. Chicago-specific considerations include understanding winter weather challenges, proximity to 24/7 emergency vets, and familiarity with Chicago parks and pet-friendly areas.
Earnings Potential
Part-time: 8–12 nights/month earning $480–$900. Full-time: 20–25 nights/month earning $1,200–$1,875. Annual (full-time): $14,400–$22,500 from sitting alone, often combined with dog walking for $40,000–$60,000 total.
Many successful Chicago pet care providers combine dog sitting with dog walking to maximize earnings and maintain year-round income stability. Learn more in our pet care jobs guide.